Obituary of Frank Joseph Montello

MONTELLO, Frank Joseph

With great sadness we announce the passing of Frank on September 11, 2024 at the age of 93. Our father’s love for his family, loyalty to his friends, unwavering commitment to his clients, and appreciation for a little vino and a good game of gin rummy will always be cherished and remembered.

Precious father of Carol (John MacDonald), Mary (Raymond Lefaive), Robert (Susan Laforet), Kathleen, John (Colleen), Jennifer, Paul Laidlaw (Beth), Perry Laidlaw (Suzanne), Melanie Bechard, Karen VanMackelberg (Ron), and Lisa Baynham (Jack). Predeceased by his wife, Norma Laidlaw, and former spouse, Anne Montello.

Proud grandfather of 27 grandchildren, 33 great grandchildren and 1 great-great grandchild. Frank delighted in welcoming them to his cabin for a game of hoops, a tractor ride, hiking, fishing, skeet shooting and maybe raising a few bird houses. He treasured playing cards with his sons, sons-in-law, and grandsons at the Chrymoto and hosting frequent family gatherings.

Frank was the eldest child of the late Antonio and the late Anna (nee Frank) Montello, raised on Mercer Street, in Windsor, home of the Paradiso Spaghetti House. He was an exceptional cook. His hot pepper salad and pasta fagioli were unrivalled.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Ella (late Louie Brieda), Marguerite (Glenn Smit) and Marilyn (Donald Kavanaugh). He is survived by several cherished nieces and nephews.

After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from Assumption University in 1952, he attended Osgoode Hall Law School where he received the Osgoode Hall Legal and Literary Society’s Honour Award Key in recognition of his outstanding contributions to student activities. He was called to the bar in 1956. In 1967 he was designated Queen’s Counsel. Frank enthusiastically organized his law school reunions well into his eighties.

Initially a prosecutor, Frank discovered his true calling as criminal defence counsel. He fiercely and skillfully advocated for his clients and judged no one. Frank was respectful of and respected by law enforcement, fellow lawyers and the judiciary. He generously lent his ear to younger lawyers and gave wise counsel when asked.

Ever-attentive to his conscience, Frank was nourished by his faith and attended Mass daily whenever possible. He thrived helping others and quietly supported various causes, including local boxing, Iris House, the Inn of Windsor, the Downtown Mission, high school moot teams, and the construction of the Ontario Court of Justice building. In recognition of his contributions, the Criminal Lawyers’ Association dedicated in his honour the Frank J. Montello QC Barrister’s Lounge at the court house. On the occasion of his retirement, the Frank Montello QC bursary was established to provide financial assistance to students in the University of Windsor Faculty of Law.

After retirement, Frank travelled to Europe and Africa and in true Frank fashion, with his prayer book in his pocket and a sparkle in his eye, twice travelled from the Holy Land to Las Vegas.

Forever loved, he will be sadly missed.

Family and friends will be received for visitation at Windsor Chapel Funeral Home (South Chapel) 3048 Dougall Ave. in South Windsor (519) 253-7236, on Tuesday, September 17, 2024 from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Prayers at 7:30 p.m. On Wednesday, September 18, 2024, all are welcome to join the family at Holy Name of Jesus Church (146 Talbot St. S., Essex, ON.) for Franks Mass of Christian Burial and Celebration of his Life at 11:00 a.m. Cremation to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

Expressions of sympathy may be expressed by a donation to the University of Windsor Faculty of Law. uwindsor.ca/supportuwindsor/donate. Click “other” and insert Frank Montello Q.C. Bursary, or by mail to University of Windsor Faculty of Law, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, Ontario N9B 3P4 - Attention; Mike Flanagan, Memo: Frank Montello Bursary Fund.

Condolences and cherished memories may be shared with the family at www.windsorchapel.com.